Description
Make incredibly tender, flavorful BBQ pulled pork using your slow cooker. This set and forget dinner recipe is perfect for meal prep or feeding a crowd.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4-5 lb pork shoulder (Boston butt)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth or water
- 1 cup your favorite BBQ sauce (for finishing)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper to create your dry rub.
- Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels. Rub the spice mixture evenly over the entire surface of the pork.
- Place the seasoned pork shoulder into your slow cooker. Pour the chicken broth or water around the bottom of the cooker, not over the meat.
- Cook on LOW for 8 to 10 hours, or on HIGH for 4 to 5 hours, until the pork is fork-tender and easily shreds.
- Carefully remove the pork from the slow cooker and place it on a large cutting board or baking sheet. Discard any large pieces of excess fat.
- Use two forks to shred all the meat. Skim off any excess fat from the liquid remaining in the slow cooker.
- Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker. Pour the BBQ sauce over the meat and stir to coat everything well. Let it cook on the WARM setting for another 30 minutes to allow the sauce to absorb.
- Serve your best pork shoulder hot on buns for amazing sandwich recipes or use it for meal prep protein.
Notes
- For the juiciest results, aim for an internal temperature of 195°F to 205°F before shredding.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the shredded pork, then simmer the liquid in a saucepan on the stove until it reduces slightly before mixing it back in.
- This recipe makes excellent game day recipes or easy crowd pleaser options.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 9 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 oz cooked meat
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 12
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 20
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Unsaturated Fat: 13
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 14
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 38
- Cholesterol: 110